Alexander Volkov shared his thoughts on Victory Day, describing it as a holiday he observes more with sorrow than joy. While he celebrates the victory and expresses gratitude to veterans, he emphasizes the tragedy of war and the importance of preventing such conflicts in the future. Volkov said he raises his children with a pacifist mindset, echoing Soviet-era values of wishing for peaceful skies. When asked about Moscow, which he previously described with the words "dirt, traffic, construction," Volkov reversed his assessment after visiting last summer, now calling it the best city in the world for living and beauty.
Alexander Volkov marked Victory Day on May 9 by sharing a personal and reflective take on the holiday, describing it as one he approaches with grief as much as celebration.
The Russian heavyweight, who fights out of Strela Team, said he honors the veterans who secured the victory while keeping the human cost of war at the forefront of his thinking. Rather than framing the day as a straightforward celebration, Volkov emphasized the tragedy of armed conflict and spoke about teaching his children to reject war, echoing a Soviet-era sentiment of wishing for peaceful skies above.
Volkov, 37, currently sits at number one in the UFC heavyweight rankings with a record of 40 wins and 11 losses. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, he is one of the most physically imposing fighters in the division and among the most active strikers at heavyweight, landing 4.78 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate.
Away from the cage, Volkov also addressed a change of heart about Moscow. He had previously described the city with unflattering terms — dirt, traffic, construction — but after returning last summer, he reversed that assessment entirely, now calling it the best city in the world for both livability and beauty.
Why it matters
- Volkov is the top-ranked UFC heavyweight contender, making any insight into his mindset and life outside competition relevant to his standing in the division
- His comments on war and upbringing offer a rare personal window into one of the heavyweight division's most experienced fighters
- The remarks came on a nationally significant date in Russia, giving the interview added cultural context
